Allan Donald

Durban: If there’s one quick of recent times who needs no introduction, it’s Allan Donald who served South Africa (and cricket itself) with distinction from 1991 to 2003 — 330 wickets in Tests and 272 in ODIs. On Wednesday, the fastest of his generation, now 40, spoke to The Telegraph almost exclusively on Team India’s new ball bowlers.

Following are excerpts

On whether, being a South African, he regrets interacting with Sreesanth at the Wanderers

(Laughs) No, no... I’m not going to chase anybody away... It’s not about nationalities... Of course, it’s strange that I was credited with having helped South Africa lose!

On their interaction before the start of Day II

We discussed about what I believe is the perfect preparation and the need to think like a Test cricketer... To put his mind into the batsman’s mind... The visualisation doesn’t begin on the eve of a match but two-three days before... A bowler, for example, has to visualise conditions and look at the strengths and weaknesses of batsmen... Mentally, you’ve got to be absolutely clear about what to expect and what you should be doing. I told Sreesanth he can’t just turn up and rely on skills to get the job done... I also spoke to him a bit about the length which had to be bowled at the Wanderers.

On the perfect preparation

When at nets, you’ve got to put yourself in a match environment... If you open the attack, then you must go through the same motions... And, at the end of the session, you’ve got to walk away convinced you’ve done your best... That you bowled the way you would in a match... The greatest players, batsmen and bowlers, prepare that way... Steve Waugh was one.

On what should be a quick bowler’s approach as he prepares to bowl the first ball

He must not look at the larger picture, instead visualise the ball hitting the ’keeper’s gloves... A young guy like Sreesanth should enjoy himself.

On Sreesanth winning the MoM award at the Wanderers

Hats off to him... I’m pleased I could inspire somebody... Glad that I could make an impact with a few words. The good thing is that Sreesanth had heard much of what I’d said from (coach) Greg Chappell and Dennis Lillee... In fact, the next day, Chappell thanked me for “reinforcing” what they’d been telling him. (After a pause) The South Africans turned up a bit arrogant, hoping to quickly repeat the one-day result. Test cricket is different.

On whether it’s difficult to quickly match such a high

The great bowlers try to improve... It’s how you take the confidence forward... However, conditions may not be the same and re-focusing can become necessary. Sreesanth bowled well in the first innings here. There were a couple of bad deliveries on the first day, but that happens... His big test will be in the second innings if India are in a position where South Africa must be bowled out. Sreesanth, though, shouldn’t get too far ahead of himself... He has the skills to take five wickets on flat pitches, but must not imagine he’s a Glenn McGrath.

On his advice for Sreesanth at this point in time

Forget the bigger picture and take it match by match... Also, I know he’s emotional, but should not go overboard... We wouldn’t want him banned for a Test or whatever. Often, one look says 1,000 stories, so Sreesanth has to be careful. Whatever happens (after a delivery), he must turn back and walk away. He needs to hold back the reins a bit... I’m confident he’s going to learn.

On whether Sreesanth thanked him

(Laughs again) He did, this morning...

On the first time he saw Sreesanth

On the TV, during India’s tour of the West Indies (May-July this year)... I saw he had the attributes of a fast bowler. He has a nice, uncomplicated action and there isn’t much that could go wrong... He doesn’t have raw pace, but holds the seam beautifully and swings effectively.

On Zaheer Khan, the senior-most Indian new ball bowler

He has gained by playing County cricket (for Worcestershire)... His channels have tightened and the lengths have improved... He’s the perfect foil for Sreesanth.

On Vikram Rajvir Singh

His advantage is that he’s young and bowls a lot quicker than it seems... Give him time to carry forward this process of learning.

On what’s wrong with Irfan Pathan, who leaves for home on Thursday

I haven’t seen much of him, but didn’t find anything terribly wrong... Obviously, he’s suffering from a lack of confidence.

On the Indian attack in previous face-offs with South Africa

You’ve had good bowlers... Kapil Dev, Manoj Prabhakar, Jawagal Srinath... The present one is definitely one of the best. The quicks on this tour have adapted very well to the conditions.

On what should be the visiting new ball bowlers’ approach in South Africa

The right length must be struck... It’s important to bowl that bit fuller and not get carried away by the bounce.

Finally, on South Africa’s most promising fast bowler

Morne Morkel, the debutant at Kingsmead.